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Books Read in August 2022
Month: August 2022
Mozart in Space
I happened to come across this China-made movie while scrolling Instagram this morning. This movie was not even mentioned – much less reviewed – in The Straits Times. I had an inkling that it must be so far from good that it was not worth reviewing. (Some movies were given one-star reviews.) Nevertheless, I was intrigued enough by the title so googled it. The few reviews I came across were largely negative. However, there was mention of Lang Lang in a cameo. So I immediately checked to see where and when I could go watch it. I had to go to a cinema further away and which charges 12% more for a ticket.
The story is about a young boy who is more interested in astronomy than playing the piano (which his father wants him to do). One day, a mysterious alien arrives and helps the boy overcome his differences with his father. I don’t even know whether to classify this as Sci-fi, Fantasy or Comedy/Drama. On the surface, the movie is surreal. But if I were to put a positive spin on it, I see the main theme of a strained relationship between an unhappy teen and his insecure father as authentic. It is known that Chinese parents often push their children to be overachievers, forcing kids to go down paths they are not interested in, resulting in familial conflict. There are also sub-plots of school bullying, friendship and fraudsters in society. The message that generational trauma and the expectations of parents and society can be overcome with the art and energy of music is a sweet one. It makes this crazy story a charming one, with some hilarious antics, humorous dialogues and a surprising amount of heart.
Since my reason for watching this movie was Lang Lang, of course I was most excited when he appeared. He obviously played the soundtrack for the movie, most notably Mozart’s Turkish March (3rd movement from Sonata KV 310) and Mozart’s 12 Variations on Ah vous dirai-je, Maman (based on a 1761 popular French tune for children and used as Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star). I’m guessing the other Mozart sonatas (D Major KV 311, A Major KV 331 and C Major KV 545) were also played by Lang Lang. There are other Mozart’s works played by an orchestra, including Magic Flute, Eine Klein Nachtmusik and the Jupiter Symphony No 41. (All were heard multiple times, with tonal discrimination.)
I also love how Henry Mancini’s Moon River is given a different treatment each time it is used (eg in the style reminiscent of Erik Satie’s Gymnopedie or a Chopin Nocturne or Mozart’s Ah Vous dirai-je, Maman). I like how the Chinese song Homeland Cloud (故乡的云）is given a different treatment each time it is sung, with the tempo and dynamics appropriate to the mood and atmosphere in the story.
Fans of Jay Chou would recognise the reference to his song Listen to Mother’s Words （听妈妈的话）; those who’ve read Lang Lang’s memoirs would recognise traces of his father.
“TRUE ART IS WHAT COMES FROM YOUR HEART” is an oft -repeated phrase in the movie. True ART consists of poetry, music and painting. There is a hint of a sequel at the end. Could they be about Chopin (whose music is poetry) and Debussy (whose musical compositions are like paintings)? I’ll definitely watch if Lang Lang is the pianist for the soundtrack!
Prizefighter
It must have been a decade since I won any movie tickets and the first time a preview screening from The Esplanade Co Ltd.
Prizefighter: The Life of Jem Belcher is a biographical drama, a standard underdog story of the emergence of a champion. (Jem Belcher was the youngest ever boxing world champion who became partially blind at 22 and was dead by 30.)
The only actor I recognise is Russell Crowe, whose role as Jem’s grandfather is so minor that it could have been done by any unknown actor (eg, grinning, mumbling and grumbling). I wonder if the producers thought his name would be a box office draw.
The two plus points of this movie are the theme and the music.
Theme: Boxing (an underground entertainment that became a respectable sport) is a close allegory for humankind’s struggle for survival within the confines of discipline, societal regulations and culture. Jem Belcher is forced into a brutal occupation by the limited opportunities open to his social class. His newfound fame leads him down a dark path. The corrosive effect of fame and the exploitation of workforce remains relevant today.
Music: The music used invokes the emotions behind the story, the action and the words. Some scenes are made more exciting with an up tempo score and repetitive/ reverberating rhythmic patterns, which elicit frenzy and tension, or with extreme bass notes which induce anxiety. Sometimes, there is NO music, and thus attention is brought to something happening on screen, eg a reflection of the cultures or the emotional landscape in the narration.
Overall, I must say I did not enjoy the movie. I find it too violent. Many scenes are brutal and bloody (eg the punching, headbutting, elbowing, being knocked unconscious). I had to shut my eyes on three occasions!
Goldenager 